Diss toy shop says thanks for the memories

A Diss toy shop owner has thanked his customers as he prepares to shut up shop after 22 years.

Roy Minshull, who runs Toy Box Toys on Mere Street and has served generations of families over the years, is moving on to follow a new business opportunity.

Toy Box Toys originally traded from St Nicholas Street but moved to Mere Street, opposite Morrisons roundabout, in 2012.

Online retail has hit trade but he says the main reason for closing is that he has been offered a new business opportunity.

“I would just like to thank all those who have shopped at Toy Box Toys over the years,” said Mr Minshull.

“I’ve supplied toys to three generations of some families and I could write a book with some of the stories over the years of things that have happened.

“The main reason I am moving on is that I have been offered a new business opportunity which I would like to take up.

“So many people have said they are sorry to see the shop close but in today’s market, when it comes to local shops, it really is a case of use it or lose it.

“Trade is doing okay, but still, if people can get something cheaper online and have it delivered the next day, they will increasingly choose that option, and obviously that has an effect."

This week, the Diss Express, spoke to shopkeepers, cafe owners and landlords across the town for the views on what might help boost shopper numbers in the face of increasing pressures on the high street, as part of our Fair Deal for Disscampaign

Mr Minshull backed the campaign.

"Even though I am closing the shop, I'll still be supporting as many local businesses, as I can," he said.

"I am still local, this is still my town and I still care about it.

"When friends visit, they often say how lucky I am to live here."

He also echoed calls for more prominent signs in and around the town to help people find their way around.

“Since I have been at the end of Mere Street, I have directed hundreds of people into the town centre. There isn’t even a sign saying Welcome to Diss.

“Some people come in and ask: is this it? I point out that no, there is a whole shopping area further up the road, which they didn’t know was there.”

Mr Minshull re-located to Mere Street after footfall increased in the area with the establishment of the Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets.

The shop will close on September 1.

See this week's Diss Express for what other town traders think might help boost shopper numbers.

You can also send your views for our letters page to editorial@dissexpress.co.uk